- Around 400,000 registered motorcycles in the UK are over 25 years old
- The heritage sector is said to contribute up to 1.6 billion pounds (approximately 1.84 billion euros / 2.15 billion US dollars) annually to the British economy
- Fuel supply, environmental regulations and skills shortages threaten the sector
The Vintage Motor Cycle Club (VMCC) and the National Motorcyclists’ Council (NMC) have jointly published a policy paper highlighting the importance of heritage motorcycling in the United Kingdom. The two organisations are calling on the British government to take concrete measures to protect historic and classic motorcycles. The UK can look back on more than 125 years of motorcycling history, shaped by inventions, technical development and world records.
Over 600,000 Classic Motorcycles Registered
The figures in the paper illustrate the scale of the sector. According to a Loop report, a total of 624,805 vintage and classic motorcycles were registered in the UK in 2023. The total value of this fleet was estimated at just under 1.2 billion pounds (approximately 1.38 billion euros / 1.61 billion US dollars) in a 2020 HERO-ERA report. According to the organisations, this represents almost 30 percent of the combined value of all classic cars and motorcycles in the country.
Current government statistics from 2025 put the total registered motorcycle fleet in the UK at around 1.35 million machines. Of these, an estimated 400,000 vehicles are over 25 years old, representing roughly 30 percent of all registered motorcycles.
A Billion-Pound Economic Contribution
The economic significance extends far beyond the value of the vehicles themselves. Clubs, dealers, parts and accessories specialists, engineering and manufacturing firms, as well as tourism, motorsport, museums, auction houses and events are said to contribute up to 1.6 billion pounds (approximately 1.84 billion euros / 2.15 billion US dollars) per year to the British economy.
Growing Pressure on the Sector
Despite this significance, heritage motorcycling is under increasing pressure according to the NMC and VMCC. The organisations cite the security of conventional fuel supply and changes to fuel composition that can be problematic for older engines as the primary concern. Environmental regulations, which according to the NMC are in some cases poorly implemented, add further pressure.
The loss of manufacturing and engineering skills is another issue that the organisations see as part of a broader problem across British engineering as a whole. Further concerns relate to potential restrictions on access rights to certain roads and the threat of organised theft of high-value heritage machines, both within the UK and internationally.
Demands Addressed to the Government
The VMCC and NMC are calling for significantly better recognition of the heritage sector and its social and economic value. Specifically, they demand continued protection of historic vehicle exemptions, such as those relating to the MOT test and London’s Ultra Low Emission Zones (ULEZ). They also want the frameworks at the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) and the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) to be strengthened, including through closer cooperation with recognised experts from heritage organisations.
The government should also improve its own knowledge of the sector, covering usage patterns, safety and environmental performance, economic impact and cultural heritage. In addition, greater engagement on fuel security as well as environmental and noise regulation is demanded.
VMCC President Calls for Targeted Exemptions in Future Regulations
VMCC President Roger Bibbings spoke of the need for coordinated action: “To secure the sector’s future, coordinated action is needed across government, industry and civil society. In particular, Government action can protect heritage motorcycling while still meeting environmental and safety goals.”
Bibbings added: “With appropriate policy support, the sector can continue to thrive while maintaining a minimal environmental footprint. Targeted, well-designed exemptions in future regulations will allow historic motorcycles to remain a vibrant part of the British cultural landscape for decades to come.”
The VMCC and NMC have announced that they will continue their structured dialogue with the government and representatives of the vintage and classic community.
➜ This article is part of our comprehensive overview: Motorcycle Law & Policy: Legislation, Court Rulings and Developments for Riders. Find all key information on this topic in one place.
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